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Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon

Cricket

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Rangeland grasshoppers and Mormon crickets are natural to rangelands (grasslands,

shrublands, woodlands, and other plant-heavy areas) in 17 western States. However,

when their populations reach outbreak numbers, they can wreak ecological and

economic damage, especially when regions are suffering from drought.
These insects eat plant stems and leaves, which interfere with plant growth and

seed production. Their appetite can trigger devastating environmental issues,

including soil erosion and degradation, nutrient cycle disruption, and water filtration

interference. To help landowners treat pest infestations, APHIS oversees the

Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program.

What To Look For

Larger outbreaks in western States occur every decade or so, but local areas can

have larger populations come and go based on environmental conditions and other

factors. Here's what to look for:

Rangeland grasshoppers

These ground-dwelling insects have powerful hind legs that enable them to leap

vigorously and escape threats. Most species also have wings that allow them to fly

relatively long distances. Sometimes, they're referred to as short-horned

grasshoppers to distinguish them from katydids with much longer antennae.

Mormon crickets

These flightless, shield-backed katydids can migrate great distances. Although they

don't fly, Mormon crickets walk or jump in large groups made up of millions or

billions of individual insects. The Mormon cricket is the only katydid species known

to hatch outbreak populations in the United States.

How It Is Treated

Are you a landowner or land manager dealing with a rangeland grasshopper and

Mormon cricket infestation? We provide technical assistance, deliver public outreach

programs, and help suppress populations when direct intervention is needed.

To request assistance, send an email or letter to your State plant health director.

Upon receipt, we'll assess several factors on your land:
1. Rangeland grasshopper and Mormon cricket densities per square yard

2. Pest species (Nearly 400 grasshopper species inhabit western States, but only

12 species are considered pests.)

3. Pest life stage

4. Treatment timing and options

These factors, and other ecological considerations, will determine if treatment will

be effective on your land. Pending availability of funds, APHIS will pay for all or some

of the treatment on Federal, State, and private lands.

The preferred treatment option is the Reduced Agent and Area Treatments (RAATs)

method, which treats less land area overall and uses insecticides at lower rates and

volumes. RAATs alternate between treating and skipping swaths of rangeland.

Skipped swaths often total 50 percent or more of a given area. In this scenario, the

insecticide suppresses pest populations in the treated swaths while conserving their

predators and parasites, as well as other non-target insects, in the skipped swaths.

We have the option to use four insecticides: carbaryl, diflubenzuron, malathion, and

chlorantraniliprole. A suppression treatment consists of one treatment a year of one

of these insecticides. Each insecticide is registered for use and labeled by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for sufficient management of rangeland

grasshoppers. The insecticide APHIS chooses depends on several factors, including

outbreak density, species, population age, climate, weather, land conditions,

economics, and environmental risks.

When properly applied, each insecticide is very effective and safe for people,

animals, and the environment. We conduct and post public environmental

assessments in each State before taking any actions. We follow all insecticide label

directions, along with conditions outlined in the environmental impact statement,

the environmental assessments, program guidelines, and the treatment request

letter.

Report Plant Pests and Diseases

Have you seen this pest or signs of pest damage? Immediately report your findings.

Find your State plant regulatory official

Find your State plant health director
Controlling Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets

Current Status

Grasshopper Hazard Map (1.24 MB)

APHIS' Response

Overview of APHIS' Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Program

Information for Cooperators

Grasshopper Integrated Pest Management User Handbook

Spread the Word

ID Tool: Grasshoppers of the Western United States

Factsheet: Protecting U.S. Rangeland From Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets

Mobile App: Grasshoppers of the Western United States

Download for iOS

Download for Google Play

Draft Environmental Documents

The following site-specific environmental assessments for the rangeland

grasshopper and Mormon cricket suppression program are open for comment:

There are current no draft environmental assessments for comment.

Document

Number State

Comments

Due

Send Comments

To

Questions
ID-1-2024-26 ID

April 13,

2024

Animal and Plant

Health Inspection

Service

Plant Protection and

Quarantine

9118 Blackeagle

Drive, Boise, ID

83709

bradley.a.newbry@usda.gov

Final Environmental Documents

View All Final Environmental Documents

Contact Us

William Wesela

National Policy Manager

Email: william.d.wesela@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-2229